Berlin- Germany has re-introduced a military medal for bravery, more than 60 years after the last Iron Cross was awarded for valour in battle, according to a Defence Ministry spokesman Friday.

The Cross of Honour for Bravery will be in the iron-cross shape, but will not have the old name.

The iron cross was introduced in 1813 by the kingdom of Prussia and was a common award in Nazi Germany till its 1945 defeat.

The only existing medals for German soldiers, sailors and flyers are given for exemplary conduct over fixed periods of service. Personnel do not have to go into danger to earn the four existing grades.

The fifth, higher award will be for "especial valour at risk of physical danger or death" during peacekeeping and other dangerous assignments, a defence spokesman said in Berlin.

Germany's president, Horst Koehler, has given his consent for the new bravery award. (dpa)